Updated for 2024 Going ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza is one of my family’s favorite things to do at holiday time. It’s not winter to me, until we’ve taken a couple of spins on the ice. After the holidays,…
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Explore Des Moines with our family-friendly local guides!
It’s Lovely Weather for a Sleigh Ride Together at Jester Park Equestrian Center
Updated for 2023 Dashing through the snow…Giddy up, let’s go…there are several songs going through my head as I write this article. And no wonder! There’s something so magical about horses and snow and sleighs all mingled together. My family…
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12 of Our Favorite Outdoor Murals 4 Photo Ops in Des Moines
Have you noticed an uptick in artistic, beautiful and creative wall murals popping up all over the DSM? From local businesses to empty buildings and bypasses, artists are bringing their talents to the streets…quite literally. Photographers are using these colorful murals as backdrops for…
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September 2018: Des Moines Kid n’ Play List
Just because the kids are back in school doesn’t mean all of the fun has to come to a screeching halt. September brings with it fall festivals, apple picking, football games, and many other fun outings. Our Event Calendar is a wonderful…
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Bridging the Gap from Summer to School: 7 Fun & Educational Late-Summer Outings in Des Moines
The weeks of warm, lazy days are dwindling and before we know it, school will start, and September will be here. Rather than fret about the impending return of homework and schedules, I decided to come up with a list…
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Celebrate the End of Summer at Glow Wild
Updated April 23, 2019 Late August ushers in the return of one of our favorite end-of-summer events, Glow Wild. The annual outdoor extravaganza, hosted by Polk County Conservation in picturesque Jester Park, is filled with all manner of nature-loving fun. …
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August 2018: Des Moines Kid n’ Play List
While many of you may be skipping town this August, there’s plenty of must-do summer fun left if you’re sticking around for a staycation with us, including the final FREE outdoor movies, Farmers Markets and summer family festivals.
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2018-19 School Starting Dates in the Des Moines Area
Find 2021-22 school start dates here. The greater Des Moines area is home to many, many school districts. And the nature of living in Central Iowa means you have at least one friend or family member who lives in a…
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Family-Friendly Entertainment at the Iowa State Fair
Updated July 7, 2019 Looking for fun, family-friendly entertainment during your visit to the Iowa State Fair (August 8-18, 2019)? With loads of family-friendly activities and exhibits included in the price of admission, it’s not hard to find. There can…
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Kid n’ Play: July 2018
July makes a grand entrance with Independence Day celebrations in and around Des Moines. The family fun keeps going all month with lots of events and activities, and below are our top 10 picks.
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Summer 2018: Can’t Miss County Fairs in Central Iowa
Fair season in Iowa allows the perfect opportunity for FREE family fun. Whether you choose to attend the iconic Iowa State Fair or you opt for one of the smaller county fairs in the area, here are some of our top…
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Kid n’ Play in Des Moines – June 2018
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to live in a perpetual state of June?!?
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2018 Best Summer Theater and Shows 4 Des Moines Families
Find 2019 summer theater shows here. Des Moines’ theater scene is heating up this summer. Can you say, “Hamilton”?!? There are plays, musicals and stage performances for all ages, interests, and budgets happening throughout the season. Read on and get tickets…
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50+ FREE or Cheap Things to Do with Kids This Spring in Des Moines
Find 2021 Spring Activities Here. Take in the sights and scents of spring on a budget in Des Moines! To help you plan some wallet-friendly spring fun, we’ve put together this list of 50 FREE and cheap events and activities that…
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